2011-41 North Cascades National Park, Washington
Hello
All,
Our next few days in the Pacific Northwest found us wandering hither and foe. So we thought we would cover the various short trips in a single Picture of the Week.
Our first trek was to Mt. Baker National Wilderness Area. It is a favorite haunt for us, as the area around Heather Meadows has produced some wonderful scenic reflection photos of Mt. Shuksan in the past. However, with the heavy snow pack and our recent experience at Mt. Rainier National Park we anticipated that the area might still be showing the effects of winter--after all it was only the middle of July!!
Our route took us north out of the Seattle area via Interstate 5. We made a pit stop at the Smokey Point Rest Area where we came across an old Cedar Stump with quite a history. The stump remains as evidence of the giant trees that once forested the area. More than 20 feet in diameter and over 200 feet tall, the huge western red cedar was believed to be over 1000 years old. It was discovered by early settlers in the area and the following is a brief resume of its recorded history.
1893 - The stump was killed by a fire which started in its base.
1916 - After the top was removed, Paul Wangsmo and Ole Reinseth cut and chopped three tree spines from the core and cut an archway through the stump.
1922 - After cutting the stump off at the base, Ole Reinseth and Slim Husby used horse teams to drag it 150 yards where it was set on a concrete base.
1939 - The stump, now cracked, was taken apart and pieced back together and located alongside the newly constructed U.S. Highway 99. On May 27th Crown Prince Olav and Princess Martha of Norway drove through the stump.
1971 - The stump’s final move brought it to the Smokey Point Rest Area.
To help with perspective here is a shot of Miss Barb by the stump.
Our next few days in the Pacific Northwest found us wandering hither and foe. So we thought we would cover the various short trips in a single Picture of the Week.
Our first trek was to Mt. Baker National Wilderness Area. It is a favorite haunt for us, as the area around Heather Meadows has produced some wonderful scenic reflection photos of Mt. Shuksan in the past. However, with the heavy snow pack and our recent experience at Mt. Rainier National Park we anticipated that the area might still be showing the effects of winter--after all it was only the middle of July!!
Our route took us north out of the Seattle area via Interstate 5. We made a pit stop at the Smokey Point Rest Area where we came across an old Cedar Stump with quite a history. The stump remains as evidence of the giant trees that once forested the area. More than 20 feet in diameter and over 200 feet tall, the huge western red cedar was believed to be over 1000 years old. It was discovered by early settlers in the area and the following is a brief resume of its recorded history.
1893 - The stump was killed by a fire which started in its base.
1916 - After the top was removed, Paul Wangsmo and Ole Reinseth cut and chopped three tree spines from the core and cut an archway through the stump.
1922 - After cutting the stump off at the base, Ole Reinseth and Slim Husby used horse teams to drag it 150 yards where it was set on a concrete base.
1939 - The stump, now cracked, was taken apart and pieced back together and located alongside the newly constructed U.S. Highway 99. On May 27th Crown Prince Olav and Princess Martha of Norway drove through the stump.
1971 - The stump’s final move brought it to the Smokey Point Rest Area.
To help with perspective here is a shot of Miss Barb by the stump.
Not
many old stumps command their own roof structure!
We
continued north on I-5 to Bellingham where we picked up the Mt. Baker Highway,
WA-542. We followed it till it ends at Heather Meadow in the wilderness area.
As suspected, winter was still lingering at the higher elevations. Some areas
were really laden with snow while others were showing some bare ground.
There
was still a lot of snow in the meadow and the ponds had barely started thawing--not
what we had hoped for. The following photo is of Mt. Shuksan.
It
was a beautiful warm day and we were very comfortable in short sleeve shirts.
Here
is an old building we came across. Not sure if it was a cabin or what. But it
was neatly built of rocks with logs for support beams.
We
didn’t stay long at the higher elevations. Our next stop in the wilderness area
was Nooksack Falls. This 88-foot falls is just a little over a half mile off
the Mt. Baker Highway.
The north fork of the Nooksack River begins on the glaciated slopes of Mt. Shuksan. It then winds its way through mountain valleys before dropping over a sheer rock wall into a deep rocky gorge--Nooksack Falls. The falls is a popular stopping point for people heading to Mt. Shuksan winter or summer as there are public restrooms.
However, there are signs everywhere warning people to be careful while observing the falls. Rocks in the area are covered with thick moss and an almost invisible slick slime. Unlike previous visits, the falls viewing area is now fenced but there are those that climb over it for a better view. This can be a fatal mistake on their part. Since the 1940’s, at least 11 people have been killed here--all between 15 and 30 years old. There is even a sign giving the names and dates of eight of those that have perished. Trust us when we say we didn’t climb over the fence. Dave said. “…heck, just climbing over the fence would probably do me in!”
The north fork of the Nooksack River begins on the glaciated slopes of Mt. Shuksan. It then winds its way through mountain valleys before dropping over a sheer rock wall into a deep rocky gorge--Nooksack Falls. The falls is a popular stopping point for people heading to Mt. Shuksan winter or summer as there are public restrooms.
However, there are signs everywhere warning people to be careful while observing the falls. Rocks in the area are covered with thick moss and an almost invisible slick slime. Unlike previous visits, the falls viewing area is now fenced but there are those that climb over it for a better view. This can be a fatal mistake on their part. Since the 1940’s, at least 11 people have been killed here--all between 15 and 30 years old. There is even a sign giving the names and dates of eight of those that have perished. Trust us when we say we didn’t climb over the fence. Dave said. “…heck, just climbing over the fence would probably do me in!”
It
is a majestic powerful waterfall. In the following photo you can see the top
third of the falls. There is no vantage point where you can capture it from top
to bottom. This probably contributes to why some people ignore the signs and
put themselves in harm’s way.
Here’s
a shot from above the falls. You can sort of see where after the first drop
into a pool it makes another drop through a narrow area in the gorge. If you
are ever in the area it is truly worth making a stop to see it.
Departing
the wilderness area we turned east on the North Cascades Highway, WA-20, and
followed it into North Cascades National Park. Our target destination was
Diablo Lake. Its beautiful aqua green color always makes for some lovely
photos.
Our
next adventure found us heading to Everett, Washington where we took in the
Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens.
Although relatively small as gardens go we found it to be a soothing
respite for the mind. As we walked through the lush green garden it was so, so
relaxing--very peaceful and well done.
We
discovered a number of plants that we had never come across before. Within this
grouping of evergreens there were a couple that were new to us.
We
like taking photos of coleus because of their many varied colors. They make
wonderful screen saver photos for our computers and what a wonderful way to add
a splash of color to any garden without relying on flowers blooming.
While
strolling along the paths in the garden we came across this most unusual
fountain. We found it to be an interesting concept for a water feature.
Leaves
on this bush were beautifully colored. It certainly was a wonderful specimen.
We’d love to have one planted in our yard.
Our
next adventure in the Pacific Northwest will take us into the state of Oregon.
There is so much to see and do in this part of our country.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns